Sen. Carney celebrates Victims of Crimes Act funding being included in Governor’s supplemental budget proposal

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, Feb. 14, Gov. Janet Mills shared her proposed supplemental state budget. Within the budget, there is a $6 million allotment for programs supported by the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA). This allotment comes after months of advocacy from a wide range of groups. In the wake of diminishing funding from the federal government, Senator Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, introduced a bill that would support crime victims’ services.

In response to Gov. Mills’ supplemental budget proposal, Sen. Carney issued the following statement:

“I am grateful to Governor Mills and very happy to celebrate this win with advocates across our state. Work to address the federal shortfall has been underway for some time now. However, we’re not quite done. Our efforts to ensure this funding is available in the future will continue. VOCA supports vital programs across Maine that help victims of violent crime, including domestic and sexual abuse survivors. We have a moral obligation to make sure this funding is secure now and into the future.” Sen. Carney’s LD 2084, “An Act to Provide Funding for Essential Services for Victims of Crimes,” received unanimous, bipartisan support from the Judiciary Committee earlier this month. It now faces votes before the full Legislature, as well as funding from the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.